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Many skin conditions are similar to psoriasis, and it becomes so hard for a commoner to identify them. Skin conditions usually have similar symptoms to psoriasis. Rashes, itching, tenderness, and redness are the common signs of skin conditions like psoriasis. If you know more about this skin condition, it becomes easier for you to identify them. One has to look for the causes behind these skin disorders before placing them. Certain factors can annoy your skin, causing different problems like rashes and dermatitis, etc. Infections from viruses or bacteria if your immunity system is lowered for some reason, then chances of getting irritated by any virus or bacteria increases as immunity cannot fight with those microbes effectively, leading to infections that can damage your skin cells these types of conditions. But with this article, you will be able to identify the primary symptoms of psoriasis.
So, what is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a condition when there is an overproduction of skin cells in the body than necessary. These excessed skin cells pile up on each other and form thick, scaly patches primarily seen in areas such as elbows, knees, and scalp. If not appropriately treated, psoriasis can affect any part of your body, including the inner organs like the liver and lungs.
There are many different types of psoriasis, and they vary from person to person depending upon their size and location:
Plaque psoriasis:Â People with plaque psoriasis have thick, red patches of skin covered with silvery scales. The patches often itch. They usually occur on the elbows, knees, around or in the ears, and on the scalp. In some cases, these patches may appear on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet.
Scalp psoriasis:Â An itchy or burning sensation before a new crop of flakes appears again on the scalp. This is a common type of psoriasis known as seborrheic dermatitis, which can affect babies and adults, causing rashes and hair loss on the scalp making bald spots over time if not treated properly.
Guttate psoriasis:Â People with guttate psoriasis have small, scaling spots on their trunk or limbs. Older people who tend to get it more often have a history of strep throat. The affected areas may be elsewhere on the body apart from the trunk and limbs in children.
Inverse psoriasis:Â In this type of psoriasis, red patches appear in skin folds, such as inside the elbow or knee pits. It is a less common type that may occur in people who are obese or who have a family history of psoriasis.
Psoriatic arthritis:Â Some people develop joint pain and swelling in addition to skin symptoms when they have plaque psoriasis. These symptoms usually affect your fingers and toes first, but over time they can affect other areas of your body as well. These are the most common types of psoriasis that you may come across, and the symptoms vary from person to person depending upon its type and severity.
Here are the ways you can identify that you have psoriasis:
- The lesions or patches are usually red and scaly:
The lesions are thick and red in plaque psoriasis with a silvery scale on top. They may itch and be quite sensitive.
- The lesions are usually on your elbows, knees, and scalp:
Psoriasis often appears in specific places on the body-mostly on your elbows, knees, around or in the ears, and on the scalp.
- Lesions can also appear on other parts of your body:
Plaque psoriasis can also affect other parts of your body, including the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet.
- You have a family history of psoriasis:
If you have a family history of psoriasis, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
- You are obese or have a weakened immune system:
People who are obese or have a weakened immune system are more likely to develop psoriasis.
- The lesions tend to itch and burn:
The lesions may itch and burn before new flakes appear on the skin in some cases. This is known as seborrheic dermatitis, a common type of psoriasis that can affect babies and adults.
- Guttate psoriasis appears in small scaling spots:
Guttate psoriasis appears as small scaling spots on the trunk or limbs. It is usually seen in people who have had strep throat in the past.
- Inverse psoriasis appears in the folds of skin:
Inverse psoriasis tends to appear on the folds of your skin, such as inside the elbow or knee pits. It is usually seen in people who are obese.
9 . Psoriatic arthritis can cause joint pain and swelling:
Some people with plaque psoriasis may also develop joint pain and swelling, which usually affects their fingers and toes first before extending to other areas of their body. More different ways to identify psoriasis are:
- The lesions or patches are usually red, scaly, itchy, burning, thick, silvery, white-colored flakes on your elbows, knees, around your ears, scalp. Sometimes they can also.
- There is an overproduction of skin cells in that particular area, resulting in thick, scaly patches.
- The lesions may vary in size and shape depending on the type of psoriasis you have.
- Psoriasis is a chronic condition that lasts for a long time and cannot be cured entirely, but the symptoms can be controlled to a large extent with treatment.
- Sometimes, psoriasis also develops joint pain and swelling, known as psoriatic arthritis.
If you have any of these symptoms, then there is a good chance that you have psoriasis, so get it checked by a dermatologist immediately.
How can you prevent psoriasis?
- Keep your skin moisturized:
One of the best ways to prevent psoriasis is to keep your skin moisturized. Apply a good quality moisturizer twice a day and after bathing.
- Avoid scratching your skin:
Scratching your skin will only aggravate the symptoms and cause the lesions to become infected.
- Take care of your overall health:
A healthy diet and lifestyle are essential in keeping psoriasis under control. Exercise regularly, avoid smoking and drinking and get enough sleep.
- Reduce stress levels:
Stress can aggravate psoriasis, so try to reduce stress levels through relaxation techniques or yoga.
- Use sunscreen whenever you go out in the sun:
Sun exposure can aggravate psoriasis, so use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you go out in the sun.
- Stay stress-free:
Stress can aggravate psoriasis, so try to reduce stress levels through relaxation techniques or yoga.
- Take a lukewarm bath:
Soaking in a lukewarm tub will help soothe the irritation and itchiness of your skin. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing it, which may worsen the symptoms.
- Control all forms of infections:
Controlling all forms of infection is essential as they can trigger outbreaks, although certain infections such as strep throat may trigger guttate psoriasis.
- Avoid using harsh soaps:
There is some evidence that harsh soaps and chemicals can irritate your skin and worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. So it’s better to use mild, fragrance-free soap or a gentle cleanser.
- Cleanse with lukewarm water:
It is best to cleanse your skin with lukewarm water twice a day and pat it dry gently instead of rubbing it, which may aggravate the symptoms. Also, avoid using washcloths as they tend to scrub your skin harder than you imagine. Remember to moisturize after cleansing your skin.
- Try supplements:
Some people find that supplements such as fish oil, vitamin D, or evening primrose oil help control their psoriasis symptoms. Speak to your doctor before taking any supplements.
- Eat green leafy vegetables:
It is believed that people with psoriasis should focus on eating plenty of green leafy vegetables as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps to control inflammation.
- Avoid alcohol:
Alcohol can sometimes trigger psoriasis symptoms, so avoid drinking it to control the condition.
- Go for a walk:
Regular exercise is a great way to reduce stress levels, improve your overall health, and manage your psoriasis symptoms. If you cannot go for a brisk walk, try yoga or tai chi which are also suitable for mental relaxation and physical improvement. So find some time every day for regular exercise, but check with your doctor before starting any new fitness routine if you have recently started taking steroid tablets or using UV light therapy for psoriasis treatment.
- Don’t smoke:
Smoking is terrible for overall health as it may trigger psoriasis symptoms too. So if you want to keep psoriasis under control, quitting smoking should be one of your top priorities! If you find it difficult to stop on your own, then speak to your doctor about support programs or medication that can help you kick the habit. They will also help you reduce stress levels which can ease some of the psoriasis symptoms.
- Use a humidifier:
Dry air can worsen psoriasis, so using a humidifier in your home can help keep the humidity levels high and control your psoriasis symptoms.
- Try an oatmeal bath:
If you are experiencing a lot of itchiness, consider taking an oatmeal bath, as oats have anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe your skin. Add one cup of ground oats to a warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to rinse off afterward, as oats can make your tub slippery.
- Wear cotton clothing:
Cotton fabrics are less likely to irritate your skin than other materials such as wool, so it is a good idea to wear cotton clothing whenever possible. Avoid wool clothing if your skin is extremely itchy.
- Try over-the-counter medications:
There are many treatments available at pharmacies that may help relieve some of the symptoms of psoriasis, including medicated creams containing corticosteroids or salicylic acid plus ointments containing coal tar, anthralin resins, or vitamin D derivatives. Ask your pharmacist about these options before purchasing them.
- See a doctor:
If your psoriasis symptoms are severe, do not respond to over-the-counter medications, or you are worried about them for any other reason. It is best to see your doctor for further advice and treatment. They may prescribe stronger medications or refer you to a dermatologist if necessary. Remember that early diagnosis and treatment can often help keep psoriasis under control.
By following the tips in this article, you can give yourself the best chance of managing your psoriasis effectively. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms. You can also consider meeting with a homeopathy doctor. Homeopathic doctor treats psoriasis by providing holistic treatment. Homeopathic treatment for psoriasis is entirely natural and has no side effects.
Benefits of using the homeopathic treatment for psoriasis:
- Using homeopathic treatment for psoriasis can be very beneficial and improve your overall health.
- Homeopathic remedies also strengthen your immune system and help to cleanse your body of toxins, so you feel better from the inside out!
- It is very cost-effective compared to other treatments available in the market.
- You can get quick relief with homeopathy as it works on the individual symptoms of a particular person.
- There is no side effect of using the homeopathic treatment for psoriasis, unlike other medications prescribed by doctors after diagnosing psoriasis condition in any patient!
- Homeopathic doctors will provide proper diagnosis and suggest remedies based on the specific cause and pattern of psoriasis experienced by the patient.
- Homeopathy is a long-term treatment, and it helps in completely curing psoriasis in most patients.
- Homeopathic remedies are easy to use and can be taken with other medications without any problems.
- You can get advice from homeopathic doctors on a diet, lifestyle changes, and other ways to improve your overall health and manage psoriasis better!
If you are looking for an effective, natural treatment for psoriasis, then homeopathy may be the right choice for you! Speak to your homeopathy doctor today to learn more about this holistic approach to healing. You can book an appointment through OHO Homeopathy now!